title: Evolution of a full-thickness macular hole.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To illustrate succinctly the various stages of macular hole formation.
  
  
  METHODS
  We photodocumented the evolution of a full-thickness macular hole in a patient who refused surgery.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A 60-year-old woman, who had had difficulty reading for 3 months, was initially examined with a stage 1B macular hole in her right eye that progressed to stage 2 over a 6-month period and then to stage 3, 2 years after initial examination.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This case demonstrates vividly and succinctly the development of a full-thickness macular hole from stage 1B to stage 3 and provides a unique opportunity to study carefully in a single eye the sequential progression of this important retinal disorder.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA.
authors.forename: M G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Krzystolik
authors.forename: T A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Ciulla
authors.forename: A R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Frederick
mesh_terms: D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D005654:Fundus Oculi; D006801:Humans; D008266:Macula Lutea / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D012167:Retinal Perforations / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology